Phaedra
By
Jean Racine
Act I:
Scenes 4-5

PANOPEFain would I hide from you tidings so sad,But 'tis my duty, Madam, to reveal them.The hand of death has seized your peerless husband,And you are last to hear of this disaster.

OENONEWhat say you, Panope?

PANOPEThe queen, deceivedBy a vain trust in Heav'n, begs safe returnFor Theseus, while Hippolytus his sonLearns of his death from vessels that are nowIn port.

PHAEDRAYe gods!

PANOPEDivided counsels swayThe choice of Athens; some would have the prince,Your child, for master; others, disregardingThe laws, dare to support the stranger's son.'Tis even said that a presumptuous factionWould crown Aricia and the house of Pallas.I deem'd it right to warn you of this danger.Hippolytus already is preparedTo start, and should he show himself at Athens,'Tis to be fear'd the fickle crowd will allFollow his lead.

OENONEEnough. The queen, who hears you,By no means will neglect this timely warning.

Take the Quiz

How is Theseus rumored to have died?

He descended alive into hell and was unable to return.He lost control of his chariot and was dragged to death by the horses.He was imprisoned in a cave and eaten by monsters.He was killed in a duel with his old enemy Minos of Crete.